Refugee Youth Summer Academy VOLUNTEER

BACKGROUND:  Since 2011, the IRC has resettled hundreds of refugee youth to Elizabeth, New Jersey. The trauma of being forced from their homes, prolonged separation from loved ones, displacement, language barriers and poor or lapsed education compounds the academic challenges faced by refugee youth. IRC currently works with over 100 refugee students enrolled in 17 Elizabeth Public Schools, as well as 4 Roselle Public Schools, with new students arriving each month. IRC’s youth program works in collaboration with schools and families to overcome barriers and promote the academic and social success of refugee students. 

PROGRAM OVERVIEW: In August 2021, the IRC in New Jersey will host a three-week summer enrichment program focusing on English as a Second Language (ESL) for refugee youth living in Elizabeth and Roselle, New Jersey. The Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) will serve up to 90 students ages 5 – 20, from at least 10 countries in six classes. Students will engage in ESL, creative arts, sports, field trips, and other activities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:
Refugee Youth Summer Academy (RYSA) Volunteers will work closely with the ESL Lead Teachers and clinical psychology doctoral students to reinforce English language learning and school preparation with refugee youth in a positive and healing classroom environment. RYSA volunteers must be flexible and comfortable using various methods for teaching English Language Learners with varied levels of education. Throughout their classroom activities, RYSA volunteers will be expected to contribute to the program’s goals of fostering students’ English competence and social-emotional development. 

* All applicants must be older than 17 years old.  
* Proficiency in Arabic, Kiswahili, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Urdu, or French strongly preferred.

POSITION TERM & HOURS: 
July 26 - August 20: 
9:00 am-3:30 pm (Monday - Friday)

RESPONSIBILITIES: 
* Facilitate & assist with English literacy and ESL instruction to students in grades K-12 
* Support the ESL Lead Teacher & psychology doctoral student to implement culturally & age-appropriate curriculum for a class of approximately 15 students. 
* Guide & support learning in various subjects & specialized activities (i.e. US History, Health, sports, art & music)  
* Under direction of ESL Lead Teacher & Education Specialist, assist implementation of culturally & age-appropriate curriculum using student-centered teaching methodologies for English Language Learners at all school levels 
* Gather and organize student data for monitoring and evaluation purposes 
* Reinforce positive classroom management of student behavior 
* Provide support to ESL Lead Teacher & psychology doctoral student; facilitate small group work with students 
* Foster welcoming, nurturing & supportive environment to students that promotes trust & self-esteem building 
* Engage in daily debriefings with Education Specialist, Youth Coordinator, Operations Coordinator, and other staff 
* Assist with daily operations including student arrival & dismissal, lunchtime setup/cleanup & Friday field trips 
* Collaborate effectively with classroom interns 
* Act as a positive role model for students and staff 
* Comply with all agency policies and protocols